UFC 175: Weidman vs. Machida Round-by-Round Recap and Analysis

Chris Weidman defended his UFC middleweight title for the second time at UFC 175, and did so against Lyoto Machida.

Machida entered as the No. 3-ranked contender at middleweight, and he was undefeated since dropping from light heavyweight. He held a knockout win over Mark Munoz and a decision victory over Gegard Mousasi.

Weidman and Machida battled for 25 minutes, but it was the champion who was able to come away with the unanimous decision. A very competitive and fun bout that should garner both men more fans moving forward.

Round 1

Machida circling on the outside. A feeling out process early on. Weidman goes for a takedown, but Machida defends. They are up against the fence, but only for a moment.

Machida narrowly misses with a left, and Weidman begins to open up. Weidman lands on Machida. Weidman is very active with his kicks. Machida lands a counter left off of a kick from Weidman. Another counter by the challenger.

60 seconds to go in the first frame. Body kick by Weidman. Weidman goes for a takedown off a body kick, but Machida defends and escapes. Close round, but Weidman should be the narrow advantage with his consistent pressure.

Round 2

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They go back to work in the second. Machida throws a kick, but Weidman blocks it.

Weidman connects, and then he begins to chase Machida. He must have thought he hurt him. Weidman backs away and re-takes the center of the cage. Nice right hand by Machida. Body kick by the challenger. A good inside leg kick by Machida lands.

A front kick by Weidman to the body. Weidman keeping the center of the cage.

Machida goes to the body with a straight right. Machida goes over the top with a left. Weidman shoots in, and he completes it. Less than a minute to work for the champion. Machida is able to avoid damage on the ground, but Weidman lands a couple good knees as he got to his feet. Another close round.

Round 3

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Weidman back out to the center of the cage.

Machida goes high with a kick, but Weidman blocks it easily. Weidman goes for a double, but he gets stuffed. Now he comes forward with more aggression, and he completes it. Good elbow from the bottom by the challenger.

Machida stands while Weidman tries to take the back, but Machida gets free. Good exchange, and the champion gets the better of it. More pressure from Weidman. Machida is cut from a punch. More rights from Weidman. He's starting to pick his shots.

Machida lands a knee to the body, but Weidman takes him down off of it. Machida gives up his back in order to stand, but Weidman tosses him back to the mat. Machida stands and gets away. Weidman is sensing the finish is near.

Round 4

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Weidman forcing Machida to the outside right away.

Machida's head kick is easily blocked, but he lands to the body. Weidman lands a knee to the body. Machida opening up a bit more and lands a left, but Weidman puts him right back on the outside. Weidman goes for a takedown, but Machida defends.

Weidman is slowing down, but Machida is also tired. Machida lands a left hook, but it doesn't connect flush. Machida is starting to find his range. Machida catching him over and over now. Machida finding much more success since taking the center of the cage.

Body kick from Machida. Those are taking their toll on a tired Weidman. And another. Machida is turning it up. Weidman pawing with his jab. Weidman goes for a takedown, but Machida easily stuffs it. Machida pressuring the champion. Huge straight left at the end of the round.

Round 5

Machida taking control of the center of the cage. Front kick to the body by Machida. Weidman eats a left over the top, but he's still coming forward. Weidman goes for a takedown, but Machida defends.

Weidman with a right. Weidman starting to find his mark again. Weidman tags him, and Machida responds. They are starting to swing away. Joe Rogan firmly believes Weidman won the first three rounds, but the first two were close.

Weidman with a good combination. Weidman gets a takedown, and that may do it with just 90 seconds remaining. Weidman moves to mount, and Machida gives up his back. Weidman flattens out Machida, and then he loses his position. Machida is up and out with 30 seconds to go.